Clayton News Daily

Photo by Heather Middleton

From Staff Reports

For the second straight week, the Clayton State Lakers remain No. 1 in the nation in Division II women's basketball.

The USA Today/ESPN Division II Top 25 Coaches' Poll was released on Tuesday, and Clayton State retained its No. 1 ranking. The Lakers (26-0, 15-0 Peach Belt Conference), the nation's lone remaining undefeated team in Division II women's basketball, earned 722 points and 26 out of a possible 29 first-place votes in this week's poll.

Ranked behind Clayton State is Peach Belt rival Lander, followed by Fort Lewis, Arkansas Tech and Delta State. Lander received one first-place vote, and Fort Lewis received two. Western Washington,

Michigan Tech, Wayne State, Grand Canyon and Northeastern State round out the Top 10.

Clayton State kept the top spot with two more victories last week. The Lakers won a 64-54 decision at in-state rival Columbus State on Wednesday, followed by a 91-59 victory over visiting Montevall on Saturday.

A total of three Peach Belt teams are nationally ranked this week. In addition to Clayton State and Lander, USC Aiken advanced one spot to 14th in the nation. Also, Georgia College received votes.

Clayton State is back in action on Wednesday, traveling to in-state rival North Georgia. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at the Memorial Hall.